Are you a senior citizen? The status of “senior citizen” comes with a few perks — the free time that comes with retirement, for example, or the benefit of senior discounts. While you’re enjoying your later years, though, don’t forget that good foot health continues to be important as we age. The longer your feet stay healthy, the longer you can maintain an active lifestyle and your independence.

It’s normal for people to experience foot pain as they age. Experts say that problems with feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions, particularly among older adults. Health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve issues, and circulatory disorders may first manifest in your feet. As a senior citizen, you have a responsibility to yourself to keep your feet healthy so that as you age, you can still take part in the activities you love. It is important to pay attention to your feet and seek medical attention as soon as you notice any abnormal changes. Take a look at our report “The 5 Principles of Senior Foot Care” to see what will help you take better care of your feet.

Are You Too Old To Have Foot Surgery?

This is a common question answered by our Suffolk foot and ankle specialists at 1Foot 2Foot. Perhaps a senior patient has resigned themselves to living with pain, or a caregiver has decided the pain should be bearable. In many cases, you can find relief from pain with minimally invasive procedures that require little-to-no downtime. Age is just a number – it’s your overall health status (blood flow and immune system) that dictates whether you even need surgery. Our award-winning foot and ankle specialists in Suffolk, North Suffolk, and Hampton, Virginia (VA), have only your best interests at heart. Surgery is a last resort!

You’ve Fallen And Don’t Want To Fall Again

As a senior, you are more susceptible to falls. Since your bones aren’t as strong as they used to be, you are more likely to sustain a serious injury from falling. Falls can be prevented, and our 1Foot 2Foot foot and ankle specialists can help. We offer a Functional Fall Risk Assessment to determine your risk and then develop a program to ensure you have the best chance of staying on your feet.

How Can You, As A Senior, Keep Your Feet Healthy And Yourself Independent?

Here Are Our Top 10 Tips For Healthy Aging Feet

Don’t rush. Take your time. Rushing only increases your chances for an accident. Use handrails, walkers, or canes when necessary. In the bathtub, use the grab bar. Avoid bath oils, as the tub floor is already very slippery.

Keep floors and hallways in your home free of stray objects. Also, do not use “throw rugs” in entryways or stairwells. They are slippery and hazardous.

Keep moving! A daily exercise routine contributes to a healthy body and mind. Walking is an ideal form of exercise for seniors, offering strengthening benefits to the feet, heart, and lungs.

Inspect your feet daily, frequently if you are a diabetic. If you’re unable to see your feet adequately, ask for help. Don’t ignore the two things (your feet) that enable you to participate in life’s daily activities.

Avoid walking barefoot. Wear soft leather shoes that offer support and that are made with rubber soles and heels.

Never use commercial corn pads or medicines. They often burn and irritate the skin, doing more damage.

Maximize your blood flow by avoiding sitting with your knees crossed and steering clear of nicotine products such as cigarettes.

Be sure to visit our 1Foot 2Foot foot and ankle specialists regularly. Prevention and maintenance are the best sources of healthy feet!

Do yourself and your loved ones a favor by scheduling an appointment with one of our Suffolk foot specialists today. Reduce your risk of falling, eliminate foot or ankle pain, and maintain your independence through better feet. You — and those who care for you — will be thankful you did! No matter what your age, your better feet will lead to a better life.

Your 5-Star-Rated Suffolk & Hampton, VA, Podiatrists

“I've been both a patient of 1Foot 2Foot with Dr. Dairman and a client at Stems Spa. I can honestly say - WOW! I never thought I'd be proud to show my feet until now. Dr. D. fixed by heel pain and a pretty bad bunion. I can barely see the scar! The pedicures are simply amazing - AND CLEAN! Proud to have them in Suffolk! Thanks guys.”

- Stephie

“Dr. Dairman and his staff are wonderful. I went from dreading to even stand-up to out walking for exercise again. So happy with the improvement in my foot! Thank you 1Foot 2Foot.”

- Cindy R.

“I purchased many Dr. Scholl's supports, went to an orthopedic who sent me to therapy. Six months later I was no better. A friend told me about 1Foot 2Foot and Dr. Dairman. Within 2 weeks I was back to my activities with little pain. Within 4 weeks, I'm pain-free. How he did it, I don't know, but I now send all my friends and family to 1Foot 2Foot.”

- Barbara

“Thanks to 1Foot 2Foot, six months after my husband had major foot surgery, he is up to running three miles with no foot or ankle pain!!”

- Lee M.

“I was greeted by a friendly receptionist, taken back promptly by a friendly assistant, and seen by a podiatrist who was comfortable, confident, and yes, friendly. He explained my problem (neuroma), offered several treatment options and said with a smile "I can fix that." He gave me a steroid injection and I left his office without pain. I haven't had pain since.”

- tgreenleaf

“Almost 4 months after surgery and all is still well. On Monday of this week I had 4 patients of my own to see in our outpatient surgery department. I went up and down the flight of stairs to surgery a total of 9 times that day. Was I tired at the end of the day? You bet! Did my foot and heel give me any problems? None at all!!!! Thanks again for pain free walking.”

“I've been both a patient of 1Foot 2Foot with Dr. Dairman and a client at Stems Spa. I can honestly say - WOW! I never thought I'd be proud to show my feet until now. Dr. D. fixed by heel pain and a pretty bad bunion. I can barely see the scar! The pedicures are simply amazing - AND CLEAN! Proud to have them in Suffolk! Thanks guys.”

- Stephie

“Dr. Dairman and his staff are wonderful. I went from dreading to even stand-up to out walking for exercise again. So happy with the improvement in my foot! Thank you 1Foot 2Foot.”

- Cindy R.

“I purchased many Dr. Scholl's supports, went to an orthopedic who sent me to therapy. Six months later I was no better. A friend told me about 1Foot 2Foot and Dr. Dairman. Within 2 weeks I was back to my activities with little pain. Within 4 weeks, I'm pain-free. How he did it, I don't know, but I now send all my friends and family to 1Foot 2Foot.”

- Barbara

“Thanks to 1Foot 2Foot, six months after my husband had major foot surgery, he is up to running three miles with no foot or ankle pain!!”

- Lee M.

“I was greeted by a friendly receptionist, taken back promptly by a friendly assistant, and seen by a podiatrist who was comfortable, confident, and yes, friendly. He explained my problem (neuroma), offered several treatment options and said with a smile "I can fix that." He gave me a steroid injection and I left his office without pain. I haven't had pain since.”

- tgreenleaf

“Almost 4 months after surgery and all is still well. On Monday of this week I had 4 patients of my own to see in our outpatient surgery department. I went up and down the flight of stairs to surgery a total of 9 times that day. Was I tired at the end of the day? You bet! Did my foot and heel give me any problems? None at all!!!! Thanks again for pain free walking.”

With the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services in Suffolk, we can help you return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love! Come experience 1Foot 2Foot and you will see we offer the best podiatry care to patients in and around Suffolk, VA, North Suffolk, VA, Hampton, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, Newport News, VA, Carrollton, VA, Smithfield, VA, Norfolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.